Two years ago on Christmas Day, my young niece Katie, who was 14 at the time, showed up at our door with her previously long hair cut short. My husband, who loves long hair, asked Katie where it went--why she cut it off. Katie said to Rick (my hubby), "I only grew it out so I COULD cut it off. I'm growing it out again. But I'm cutting it again too." Then she explained. She was letting her hair grow so she could donate it to Locks of Love. In case you don't know about this organization, they take donated hair and use it to make wigs for children who have lost their hair or just don't have any hair due to medical reasons.
For the past two years Rick has been growing his hair out just for this reason--Katie asked him to. He's been turned down for promotions at work due to his long hair, he's been looked down on by various people due to his long hair, he's been accused of being a drunk and a drug addict because of his hair. He's been called all sorts of things, he's been ridiculed and belittled. Surprising what happens when a man decides to have long hair! But Rick was determined to honor his vow to Katie. He tucked it under his hat whenever possible, he ponytailed it, I braided it for him.
Katie died in March of this year. It became even more important for him to fulfill his promise to her, even if she wasn't here to see that fulfillment. Tonight, out came the ruler (hair must be at least ten inches long) and the scissors and the clippers, and off went the hair.
And into my husband's heart, and mine, and our children's, came another measure of healing and a huge chunk of pure joy!
Rick cried tonight. Not because he was sad but because he was happy. He was able to honor Katie one last time. Jokingly, Rick said to me, "There goes my strength, just like Sampson!"
Our little house is happy tonight. Rick kept a promise, Katie inspired us, and some little child will have hair!
Sometimes, these seemingly little things mean so much. I urge you, if you're about to have your hair cut and it's at least ten inches long, please consider donating it to Locks of Love.
We're doing it in Katie's memory, that little bundle of joy who touched so many lives while she lived.
Do it in her memory, or in the memory of someone you love, or in their honor. Or just do it out of LOVE!
God Bless You!
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This is very inspiring. There is a teenager at our Church who recently cut all her long beautiful hair off for the same cause. Great article and tribute to your niece. In Christ's Love,
Julia
